Leitura: Teoria e Prática
Print version ISSN 0102-387XOn-line version ISSN 2317-0972
Abstract
TESAR, Marek. Children, Stories and Secrets: representations of Childhoods. LTP [online]. 2015, vol.33, n.64, pp.15-30. ISSN 2317-0972. https://doi.org/10.2014/LTP-v33n64jan0002.
Fairy tales have a substantial role in early childhood education. Stories and picture books, that derive from them and carry their messages, are powerful instruments that shape childhoods. Stories are also part of every kindergarten and early childhood centre, and the act of narrating the stories they tell is an everyday activity. Th is article argues that stories, in any form, aim to shape children and childhoods. This is visible through representations of childhoods and children in these stories, and this article presents examples of this from various cultures and societies and certain child subjects that are produced. The selected stories illustrate various views on childhood and in particular its place in the current neoliberal New Zealand condition. This article problematizes the importance of the stories used with children, as it considers potential hidden transcripts of stories that remain secret and invisible, but which produce an equally powerful discourse. This article analyses what lies beneath the obvious meanings of the text and beautiful pictures of stories, either published or performed. Finally, this article argues for the careful selection of stories for use in early childhood settings and promotes a view that stories are always complex and multifaceted.
Keywords : Childhoods; Childres's Stories; Childhood Representations.